Nothing spells unconditional love more than a pre-wedding photo shoot; a session that you book with your photographer a couple of months before the wedding.

Not to be confused your engagement photos, pre wedding shoots are a great opportunity to eliminate any camera nerves you might have about posing for photos, get a hair and make-up trial, and create some beautiful images that can be used in your invitations, wedding album, or maybe even a slideshow on the actual day.

But what makes the experience considerably more unique is shooting your pre-wedding photos in an exotic location on the other side of the world!

The following are some of the most beautiful places in the world that act as stunning frames and backdrops for your love!

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Pre-Wedding Photoshoot Destinations You Will Fall In Love With

Iceland

Iceland is the place to go to for an absolutely spectacular view. You will find inspiring scenery at every turn, extraordinary landscapes, and astounding natural wonders; you will leave the country with a determined mindset to return – perhaps for your honeymoon?

Majestic glaciers grind their way through cracked lava fields, gushing geysers explode with a powerful force, glittering ice caps pierce the sky, and vibrant green fjords rise from the mist of geothermal lagoons.

Imagine your pre-wedding shoot against this type of backdrop – the landscapes will add a sense of raw emotion to your images your friends have never seen before!

Image credit: Jordan Bauer

Sicily

Thinking of a beautiful Mediterranean island for your pre-wedding photography? Perhaps one that sits off the toe of Italy? Seductively beautiful and perfectly placed in the heart of the Mediterranean, Sicily should be at the top of your list.

The island is full of history, bursting at the seams with ancient artistic and architectural gems. When it comes to ancient Greek architecture, Sicily actually rivals Greece.

Photo by Volodymyr Bahriy

Bali

Known for its glorious volcanic mountains, wonderful shorelines and charming rice paddies, Bali is a prevalent pick among couples for their pre-wedding photo-shoot.

One of the most popular islands in the Indonesian archipelago, the very name evokes thoughts of a paradise. Bali offers a diverse mix of options for a photo-shoot; it has incredible landscapes, though also a vivid culture for those looking to add a rich sense of culture to their images.

The small volcanic island is home to the only Hindu society in Southeast Asia, with distinctive temples and elaborate festivals which may make for truly unique photos throughout your stay.

Image credit: Oliver Sjostrom

New York City

The Big Apple needs no introduction. Overflowing with notorious points of interest and sights like the Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square, and Central Park, this is the perfect place for a sentimental pre-wedding photo shoot.

Neighborhoods throughout New York are brimming with character, and you’re highly likely to bump into an actual wedding shoot if you’re visiting the city over a weekend.

One of the most popular places for a romantic photo shoot in New York is Central Park – from Wollman Rink, to Bow Bridge, and jumping in a horse and carriage, there are so many beautiful locations to choose from.

Paris

Like New York City, Paris needs no clarification as to why it is the most well-known goal for pre-wedding photo-shoots. Honeymoons too!

Share a kiss in front of the Eiffel Tower, or pose holding hands while walking the lamplit bridges spanning the Seine.

Santorini

From cobblestone streets to stark white homes with colorful blue domes, straight from the front of a postcard, Santorini is often quoted the most romantic destination on earth.

There is a small, circular group of volcanic islands in the Agean Sea, approximately 124 miles off of Greece’s mainland. Santorini is one of those islands. It is a completely walkable town – it takes roughly 30 minutes to walk from end to end – which makes it easy to shoot across various locations.

Oia is the place to be if you’re hoping to pose in front of one of those world famous sunsets – tourists flock to Oia every single night and flood the narrow streets just to get a peek at the beautiful few moments when day turns to night.

Australia

With a great mix of world famous landmarks, and spectacular natural scenery that ranges from the red sand of the Outback, to the turquoise water of the Great Barrier Reef, it’s not hard to understand why Australia is a standout among the most prominent wedding photo-shoot locations.

Head to the Outback for photos amid a sweeping red terrain; Chambers Pillar, Nitmiluk National Park, Kakadu National Park, Kings Canyon and Uluru (Ayers Rock) are some of the more noteworthy attractions; however, why not incorporate a helicopter ride? While the rugged scenery is stunning from the ground, I can assure you it is even more spectacular from the air!

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Megan is an Australian Journalist and award-winning travel writer who has been blogging since 2007. Her husband Mike is the American naturalist and wildlife photographer behind Waking Up Wild; an online magazine dedicated to opening your eyes to the wonders of the wild & natural world.

Having visited 50+ countries across all seven continents, Megan’s travels focus on cultural immersion, authentic discovery and incredible journeys. She has a strong passion for ecotourism, and aims to promote responsible travel experiences.

30 Comments

Ryan Biddulph
June 12, 2018

Been to Bali many times and NYC a gazillion times. Both are fab spots for that perfect pre-wedding shoot. I proposed overlook Hidden Beach south of Jimbaran on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean. One of the best spots on earth to pop the question. I would have loved to do the wedding there too but my relatives are allergic to traveling LOL.

Oh wow what a spot for your proposal Ryan!! Awesome way to get a guaranteed yes right :D!

Lol some people might argue that that’s the perfect reason FOR a destination wedding lol

Roy A. Ackerman, PhD, EA
June 14, 2018

Different generations. Mine would husband resources to have the honeymoon of their lives (and to ensure the wedding bills would be paid). Hoping future revenue would afford such trips on subsequent annual vacations.

While I wish I had the money to travel for a pre-wedding shoot, I think I’m with Roy on this one – saving the cash for the honeymoon instead. We’ll have plenty of photos from our wedding and honeymoon to hang on the walls. But I don’t judge people for using any excuse for a holiday. If they can afford it good on them.

Absolutely, something this extravagant is definitely not advisable if it’s going to put you at a financial strain. But if it’s something you can afford, or perhaps you’re having a really long engagement and can work it into an annual holiday, why not right :)

Sabine Williams
June 15, 2018

What’s the trend on this? Does your photographer fly with you, are people setting up a tripod and taking shots themselves? Many of my friends have done pre-wedding shoots (at home) to get used to working with their wedding photographer, though I would think it would become a bit costly to have them travel with you. Cool post though. Locations are stunning.

If you have the budget to fly your photographer with you, it’s definitely a great way to get to know your photographer. But yes, I agree, that’s probably a little too far of a stretch for most average couples, so what I’ve seen a lot of people doing nwoadays is hiring someone locally once they get there :)

Elaine J Masters
June 15, 2018

Santorini is the stuff of my dreams. I’ve heard of the sunsets and seen the pictures of white washed buildings but how wonderful to read about the other villages and archaeological discoveries. One day I’ll return to Greece with my partner in tow, and hopefully avoid some of the crowds while wandering the island. Bookmarking for that itinerary!

It’s such a romantic destination, so definitely a good choice if you’re looking for a place to head with your partner. Truly as you’ve described it, the stuff of dreams! Hope you have the chance to visit sometime soon Elaine!

David
June 15, 2018

We’re saving for a year in Paris. Not spending much on the wedding – going to make memories afterwards. I’m sure there will be many romantic photo opps!

The landscapes there are so stunning – I think on my next trip back I’m going to take a wedding dress with me just because I can lol! No pre wedding or either wedding, but man Iceland is SUCH a photographers playground! Love it :D